Coming from a 5 series (E60) was really tough for me to size down to a 3 or even 1 series. Depends what you want it for, if you're single and want a fun drive go with the 1 otherwise go with a 3. It's faster, and drives a lot ore sportier than a 3 series.

I'm in the rare position where I actually own both a 335i (E90) and 135i, so hopefully I can offer a different perspective. First and most of all, the choice is largely dependent upon what the OP is looking for.

If you're looking for a total driving experience, then the 1 series would be the way to go. However, if you want a nice blend of a comfortable drive to performance, I would definitely recommend the 335i. Just like the 5 series is more 'comfortable' than a 3 series, so is the 3 series to the 1 series.

I treat the 135i more as my 'fun' weekend car, because for daily driving, it's just not as comfortable. To exaggerate, it's like saying the 1 series is more comfortable than a 7 series for daily driving. Nobody will say that. So if you're looking for a good blend of comfort plus performance, the 335i will definitely satisfy.

However, I wanted to add one more point. My track car is my 335i, not the 135i. I do like the overall balance of the 3 series chassis more, that when applied to a road course, really shines. The 1 will out corner my 3 any day, but it's not always about the fastest lap time. The 1 series has more of a pocket rocket feel, whereas the 3 has the larger car, more solid feel. It's important to note that I feel this way only because our cars have PLENTY of HP; otherwise I would always prefer the lighter, more nimble car for track. I may slowly mod my 1 for track as well, so my opinion may change in the future Also a note that for my weekend drives up mountain roads, I'd always take the 1, not the fully track prepped 3

In the end, both are great cars, and it's gonna be a tough choice! Both cars have plenty of HP, so I would not let the lighter 1 chassis be the determining mark. It sounds like you test drove both cars, and didn't give in to an impulse buy on one of them. So if the initial impulse didn't help make your choice, I'd go back to answering what kind of car you really want, and purchase accordingly. As I said above, I'm one of the rare individuals who own both, and love both

This is very well said. If you didn't "fall in love" with the driving experience of either car, look into other cars. When I first test drive a 335i, I thought it was a great car and I was impressed. But when I drove a 135i, I knew IMMEDIATELY, this was the car for me.

I'm married, have a family and haven't lived with my parents for a loooooong time, yet I never considered a 3 series.
I get the need for more room if you have 4 kids, but that's what the wife's SUV is for!

I just got back from test driving a 2010 135i m-sport in lemans blue. It was a nice car, and was plenty fast. But...

It didn't produce the ear the ear grin that my e90 gave me when I first test drove it back in early 08. I've had that car for almost 5 years now, and it just "fits", kind of like an old worn in glove. I've decided to keep my e90, with the NA engine, for quite awhile. Sure, it's not as fast, but it's plenty quick, and it's mine.

I'm sure if I was in another type of car the story would be different, but it's hard competing with such a good car as the e90.

I just got back from test driving a 2010 135i m-sport in lemans blue. It was a nice car, and was plenty fast. But...

It didn't produce the ear the ear grin that my e90 gave me when I first test drove it back in early 08. I've had that car for almost 5 years now, and it just "fits", kind of like an old worn in glove. I've decided to keep my e90, with the NA engine, for quite awhile. Sure, it's not as fast, but it's plenty quick, and it's mine.

I'm sure if I was in another type of car the story would be different, but it's hard competing with such a good car as the e90.

The NA 328 is a dog, I'm not sure how the 135 didn't make you grin ear to ear.

The NA 328 is a dog, I'm not sure how the 135 didn't make you grin ear to ear.

It's a good car. They're both good cars. It's just not worth replacing mine. MAYBE if it was an even trade, but it would cost me $16,000 (difference between the two), and that isn't worthwhile. Plus, it didn't excite me as much as buying my e90 did 5 years ago. Keep in mind I was coming from a RAV4 then. This time the e82 is competing against something much, much better.